SIR Alex Ferguson and Manchester United will decide today whether to appeal against a two-match touchline ban imposed for abusing match officials.

SIR Alex Ferguson and Manchester United will decide today whether to appeal against a two-match touchline ban imposed for abusing match officials.

The Old Trafford boss was given the ban and fined &#xA3;10,000 by the Football Association after being found guilty of two charges, one of improper conduct and one of insulting or abusing match officials.

The Scot denied the charges and provided several witnesses to give evidence on his behalf at a lengthy hearing with an FA disciplinary panel at a central Manchester hotel yesterday. United non-executive director Maurice Watkins said afterwards Ferguson was "a little disappointed" with the outcome.

The charges related to an incident in United's 2-1 victory at Newcastle on August 23 when Ferguson was sent to the stands after a touchline tirade at fourth official Jeff Winter.

Ferguson was furious referee Uriah Rennie failed to penalise Andy O'Brien after the Newcastle defender's challenge on Ryan Giggs when he was clear on goal. He leapt from his seat in the dug-out and angrily booted a ball before remonstrating with Winter.

Watkins said, "It is fair to say that Sir Alex is a little disappointed with the outcome. We are going to reflect on it overnight and decide what we are going to do. It could end here and will only continue if there is an appeal.

"It is never right to make a snap decision after a long day. We will decide overnight.

"We had the full opportunity to explain our position. Obviously there was a difference of views. We were left with verdict as it is."

If Ferguson decides not to appeal then the ban will start immediately and be in force for the match against Fulham at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The United boss has 14 days to lodge an appeal or to inform the FA that he does not intend to do so.

The FA released a brief statement saying, "At a disciplinary commission hearing today, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was found guilty of improper conduct (breach of FA Rule E1) and abusive and/or insulting language to a match official (breach of FA Rule E2).

"He will be subject to a two-match touchline ban (start date to be confirmed) and was fined &#xA3;10,000."

It is the first time Ferguson has been given a domestic touchline ban although he was given a one-game ban during the World Club Championship in Brazil in 2000 for reacting angrily when David Beckham was sent off against Necaxa.